Congratulations, you're almost here! This page will help prepare you for your arrival for the start of the semester, including the details of move-in day, things you need to take care of before arriving like chosing a meal plan, and some helpful resources. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at reslife@simmons.edu.
Prepare for your arrival
This newsletter includes a list of suggested items to bring to Simmons, reminders on items not permitted in the dorm rooms, frequently asked questions, info on microfridges, and important dates. Please take the time to read it before you arrive on campus.
Move-In Day
New students may move into their residence halls between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 4, 2011. When you arrive at the residence campus you will be directed to an unloading zone designated for your building. Please refer to the residence campus map for building numbers and directions to get to campus:
The unloading zones will be in the following locations and marked with balloons in the building's official colors:
| Hall | Pull up on... | Balloon color |
|---|---|---|
| Simmons Hall, Pilgrim Rd. Side | Pilgrim Rd. | Yellow |
| Simmons Hall, Brookline Rd. Side | Brookline Rd. | Yellow |
| Morse Hall | Brookline Rd. | Green |
| South Hall | Brookline Rd. | Blue |
| Mesick Hall | Smith Lot, Pilgrim rd. entrance | Orange |
| Transfer students not in Morse | As directed when you get to campus |
Your first stop will be to check in with Orientation at Alumnae Hall (Map, Bldg 14). There, you will receive your Orientation materials including your schedule for Orientation, your residence key, and your Fenway Card, which you will need to access your building. If you have not yet had your picture taken for your Fenway Card ID, you will have the opportunity to get your picture taken at Orientation check-in. To pick up your ID you will need to present a state issued ID: Driver's license, State ID, US or foreign passport, Military ID, or INS I-1551 resident alien card.
Following your registration, you will be directed to your residence hall to begin your move-in process. If arriving by car, you may unload from your designated unloading location. Once you unload your belongings, Public Safety officers will direct you to move your vehicle to the parking garage on the Simmons main campus. As it is important to keep these unloading zones free from traffic, there will be "Street Team" helpers assisting you as you unload your belongings into carts.
We recommend against parking or leaving vehicles unattended on Pilgrim Road as this is a "resident only" parking location for the Kenmore/Fenway area and is subject to ticketing by the city of Boston without the appropriate sticker.
To help make the move-in process move more quickly for everyone, we are asking families to stagger their arrival times. We understand if you are not able to schedule your arrival at the specified time; however, if you are able to do so, please follow the schedule listed below.
| Students living on the fourth and fifth floor | arrive between 8:30am-9:30am |
| Students living on the third floor | arrive after 9:30am |
| Students living on the second and first floors | arrive after 10:30am |
To assist with your moving, carts and dollies will be provided throughout the morning with assistance from the returning student Street Team. If you need to check out a two-wheeled dolly or additional cart, they will be available for check out with a State Issued ID at a table in the middle of the residence quad.
Undergraduate Orientation will take place from Sunday, September 4, 2011 through Wednesday, September 7, 2011. Please note that all students regardless of whether or not they live on campus are expected to attend the Orientation events on each day of Orientation. We also encourage you to attend other activities through the first week of classes, including the Student Organization Fair, and the Labor Day outings. Find out more on the Orientation site »
What is Move-In Day like?
Watch a video of last year's move-in day to see what move in day looks like! You'll see our returning student street team helping new students bring items from their cars, students in Alumnae checking in with Orientation and Residence Life, and lining up to attend our opening address.
Resources and More Information
The New Students webpage on the Campus Life site includes frequently asked questions, costs and fees, and information about Special Housing Accommodations.
Residence Hall Room Photos: Take a peek at what your future room could look like. Please keep in mind however that rooms vary in size and layout depending on the location in the hall. All rooms come with a standard twin bed, dresser, closet, shelf, desk, and desk chair. You can also view a sample hall floor plan online (student login required).
Rent or Purchase a Microfridge: Reserve your Microfridge for 2011-12 online at www.collegerefrigerators.com or by calling 1-800-637-7567. Students can rent these combination refrigerator, freezer, and microwave units for only $191.25 for the academic year or $114.75 for the semester or purchase one for $389. Orders must be received by Thursday, August 25th. The Microfridge will be delivered to your room prior to your arrival on campus.
Your Fenway Card: Did you know you can add money to your Fenway Card to make purchases on- and off-campus at over 75 different locations? The card features a prepaid spending account - "Fenway Cash" - which allows you to make easy, cashless purchases with just a simple swipe! Watch your email for more information on how you and/or your parents can add money to your card and be ready for all your fall purchases. Visit www.fenwaycard.com for more info.
Welcome Class of 2015 Page: Links to everything you need to know, from advising & registration to submitting your ID photo online!
Academic Calendar: View the Undergraduate academic calendar
Choose your Meal Plan
You must select a meal plan in AARC before August 28th in order to have access to your meal plan when you arrive on campus in the fall. The deadline for changing meal plans for the Fall 2011 semester is September 22nd.
To select or change your meal plan, first login in to your account at aarc.simmons.edu. Select the "Student" menu then click on "academic profile", under which you will find another link to select your meal plan.
Meal Plan Options
We offer three meal plans so each student may choose the one that best meets their dining needs. All the meal plans are the same price and the meal plan is included in your room and board fees. The meal plans are:
- 225 meals & 100 dining points per semester + 10 guest meals*
- 185 meals & 150 dining points per semester + 10 guest meals
- 145 meals & 200 dining points per semester + 10 guest meals
The meals expire from semester to semester, but the points carry over each semester. If a student runs out of dining points, they may add more money to their ID card in the form of Fenway Cash. To find out more about Fenway Cash, visit the Fenway Card website.
The meals work in Bartol Hall, for an all you can eat meal experience, and in the Fens**, a pay as you go dining experience. Points work in a variety of locations around campus. Please note that you may change this plan after arriving on campus, until September 22, 2011.
** A Cash Equivalent meal is equal to the cash value of retail product/meal between $4.00 and $6.00 at the Fens Cafe only. Any amount under $4.00 or exceeding $6.00 must be paid with Dining points, Fenway Cash, Cash, Visa, or MasterCard.
Join us on Social Media
- Like the Simmons College Campus Life Facebook page and stay informed of everything happening on campus.
- Follow our mascot, @stormyshark on Twitter to find out what she is up to.
- Don't forget to sign up on SharkLink so that you will be ready to explore all of the organizations and events at Simmons come September!
Other Information
Contact
orientation@simmons.edu
Phone: 617-521-2429
Get Involved
Additional Information for Incoming Students
- New Resident Student Information
- Commuter Student Information
- Student Leadership and Activities
- Fenway Card (Student ID)
- Parking information for Commuter Students
- Meal Plan Information
- Residence Campus Services
- Simmons College Bookstore
- Student Financial Services
- Technology for Students
- Things to Do and See in Boston
